We Get Things Done

I take pride in not just talking about progressive change, but actually accomplishing it. I’ve worked hard to put big ideas into action. Here are a few highlights from my time as a Council Member:

Voters Rights

Early Voting: Passed an ordinance for early voting satellite precincts and extended early voting hours in Minneapolis.

Tenant Voter Registration: Passed a landmark law requiring landlords to provide their new tenants with voter registration information at move in.

Environment

Hussein Samatar Crossing: Following the vision of RT Rybak and working alongside Council Member Abdi Warsame, I advocated for the construction of Samatar Crossing in memory of Hussein Samatar. The Crossing converted the former Fifth Street ramp of I-35W into a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly design including lush landscaping and the incorporation of public art.

Central Riverfront Rejuvenation: The Third Ward has been a hub of progress thanks to the transformation of surface parking lots into green space, community-minded development in Downtown East, and a record number of small and local business openings on East Hennepin.

Green Zones: Helped found Green Zones, an initiative focused on supporting communities that have a cross-section of poverty and pollution.

Pollution Control: Championed and passed a progressive environmental ordinance cracking down on air pollution by tying fees to pollution emitted.

Commons Park: Worked with public and private sector leaders to secure the support and funding necessary to bring the Commons park to life.

Trail Expansion: Collaborated with the Park Board on expansion of an East Side Mississippi river trail, a two-way, off-street trail for bicyclists and pedestrians along the Mississippi River between Boom Island Park and the 1600 block of Marshall Street NE.

Repurposing Surface Parking Lots: Led the fight to repurpose surface parking lots for affordable housing projects, green space, office units, and other investments that make Minneapolis a better city for everyone.

Workers Rights

Education and Schools

New School: Promised and delivered a community-based public school to serve the growing number of families along the central riverfront. Webster Elementary is now open and garnering several awards. I routinely serve as a volunteer reader for the kindergarteners.

“Vote Yes for Kids" Referendum: Chaired this effort that ensured renewal of 13% of our Minneapolis Public Schools annual funding.

Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing Trust Fund: I authored the amendment that fully funded the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to record levels, and will not stop fighting for affordability until Minneapolis is a place where everyone can call home.

Great River Landing: Advocated for an affordable housing project for people with felony records.

Mill City Quarter: Helped integrate affordable housing among affluent areas of the city.

Intentional Communities Ordinance: Led the fight to repeal the worst parts of this ordinance in a close vote at the City Council in Dec. 2016.

Business

Small Business Growth: The 3rd Ward has seen record numbers of small and locally owned businesses open and prosper.

Streamlining Restaurant Requirements: In partnership with other members of the City Council, I worked to remove outdated and arbitrary sales ratio requirements that had previously saddled our beloved local restaurants with undue hardship.